Area Attractions
Historic District
The majority of Ville Platte's Historic District lies on part of the historic El Camino Real or the Spanish Royal Road. This is an ancient road traveled by the first settlers in the land which would become the United States. The Royal Road began on the east coast of America, passed through Ville Platte, Bayou Chicot, Natchitoches and led west to California.
Ville Platte's Historic District boasts two buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one other building is pending notification from the State of Louisiana. The Historic District is a quaint, tree-lined area showcasing colorful business facades and historic government buildings from Ville Platte's past. Ville Platte prides itself on a community wide litter abatement awareness and the Historic District is no exception. The Historic District includes legendary Floyd's Record Shop, renowned Pig Stand restaurant, an historic museum, Ville Platte's and Evangeline Parish's first bank building, barber/beauty shops, furniture stores, two churches, a parish library, Evangeline Parish Courthouse, City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, a dry cleaner, two hardware stores, historic homes and much more!
The Historic District is a member of the Main Street Program sponsored by the State of Louisiana, Division of Culture and Tourism. We started out, after registering with the state, as a Downtown Development City. After accomplishing certain goals, within two years, we were awarded the status of Certified Local Government. These two tributes were a result of the hard work of the citizens of Ville Platte and the resolve of the loyal employees of the City of Ville Platte. The next and last step is being named a Main Street City which enables the municipality to apply for many grants that it isn't eligible for unless it reaches that status. We are working very hard for that nomination
Ville Platte's Historic District entertains a Farmer's Market twice/year, in Spring and Fall. We always have a live French or Country Band and plenty of vendors. We also sport an annual Pet Parade. Pet owners dress up their pets and themselves for a whopping good time! March 2007 welcomes the 1st annual City-wide Garage Sale for one and all to be rid of their junk!! All of these events are admission free, simply to promote good will and friendship in a world that always demands too much.
The main road from New Orleans to Natchitoches which was the oldest town in central Louisiana ran through the center of what is now Evangeline Parish. The road went through Ville Platte which is now the parish seat of the parish. It continued through Bayou Chicot and on up through the Alexandria area and across the Red River to Natchitoches. The road continued on northwest out to California. The road was known as "El Camino Real" or the Spanish Royal Road. Basically the present U.S. highway 167 follows the old Spanish road.